Partitions with storage capability

ABSTRACT

Partitions for forming sections of the walls of office cubicles include two major panels (walls) which are spaced apart and interconnected to provide an inner enclosed space which is made accessible to store objects. In accordance with one embodiment, the two major panels are of similar height and width and each panel has parallel top and bottom horizontal edges and parallel rear and front edges. The top edges of the two panels, their rear edges and their bottom edges are interconnected to define an inner space which may be accessed via an opening provided by and from the front edges of the panels. In accordance with another embodiment, the inner space may be accessed by means of cut outs formed on, or in, the panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to partitions used to divide office space into cubicles and, in particular, to the use of such partitions to store objects which may be needed for use by the occupants of the cubicles.

Many companies use partitions and partition systems to form cubicles which function as work areas for their employees. The cubicles are generally just sufficiently large to permit a user (occupant or employee) to have a single desk and a single chair and very little else. The cubicle area is generally insufficient to allow an extra table or an extra chair to be placed and kept in the cubicle on a permanent basis.

However, there are many occasions when it is desirable to have easily available access to objects, such as an additional chair or table, for temporary needs and to then be able to store the object so as not to clutter the available cubicle space and/or for subsequent use.

Even in cases where the cubicle may be larger, it is often desirable to be able for the occupant of the cubicle to have easy access to additional objects, such as a table to provide added working space and/or a chair to permit additional individuals to join in discussion, without having to move to another location. To prevent cluttering the limited cubicle space and/or to provide the occupant of the cubicle with living or working room, it is desirable that the occupant be able to fold and store these additional objects in an easily accessible spot for subsequent use.

Tables and chairs are just one example of the type of objects to which the occupant of a cubicle might want to have easy access. Many other objects may be suited or made suitable for storage. For example, a manager may have a need for an easel or marker board to take notes from meetings or for displaying notes.

In brief, there is a need to provide for additional storage space to store objects items which the occupant of a cubicle may need and/or to put away unneeded items to, for example, make the office/cubicle look neater and/or uncluttered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, the space existing between an inner side panel and an outer side panel, which define the two major panels (walls) forming a partition, is used to store objects. The invention includes configuring the two major panels of similar height and width to form a partition wall of a cubicle. The two major panels are arranged to be: (a) generally parallel to each other by using an enclosing structure to maintain the major panels spaced apart by a predetermined thickness; and (b) such that the space between the two panels forms a storage space which can be readily accessed. Accessing means (doors or openings) are provided between the two major panels or along a major panel to access the storage space between the panels and enable selected objects to be inserted and/or removed from the storage space.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a partition frame includes an inner side panel and an outer side panel, each one of said inner and outer side panels being of height “H” and width “W”. The front and back panels are spaced apart by a given thickness (D), where “D” may range from less than one inch to about six (6) inches, whereby an object whose width is less than the given thickness (D) can be positioned between the inner surfaces of the inner and outer side panels. Thus, partitions embodying the invention include spaced apart inner and outer side panels, of similar height “H” and width “W”, arranged to extend generally parallel to each other and to be spaced apart by a given thickness (D).

Each one of the inner and outer side panels has a top horizontal edge, a bottom horizontal edge, a front (or right side as shown in FIG. 1A) vertical edge and a rear or back (or left side as shown in FIG. 1A) vertical edge. A first, top, horizontal narrow panel/slat is connected between the top edges of the inner and outer side panels. A second, bottom, horizontal narrow panel/slat is connected between the bottom edges of the inner and outer side panels. A third vertical narrow panel/slat is connected between the back side vertical edges of the inner and outer side panels.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the first, second and third panels/slats function to hold the inner and outer side panels apart by a thickness D and define an enclosed space between the panels. The front vertical edges of the inner and outer side panels define an opening for enabling access to the space between the front and back panels. A front side pane/slat, designed to function as a door, is connected between the front vertical edges of the inner and outer side panels so it can be opened or shut.

The bottom horizontal slat and/or the base of partition may be reinforced for supporting any object to be stored within the space between the inner and outer side panels.

Partitions formed in accordance with the invention are suitable to store any object (e.g., a folding chair or table, in their folded state, or a flat panel monitor or the like) which can fit within the enclosed space.

The base, bottom, of the partitions can include a sliding or rolling rail which can roll into and out of the partitions and on which an object can be placed. The rail can include a mechanism to enable the rail and any object on it to pop out of the enclosed space.

In still another embodiment of the invention the space between the inner and outer side panels (walls) can be used to form a box into which mail (or a like object) can be deposited from a slot on a top slat or from a slot in the outer side panel and which box can be accessed from an opening in the inner side panel facing the interior of the cubicle.

In still another embodiment of the invention the space between the inner and outer side panels (walls) can be used to form a shelf on which a monitor can be housed to free up valuable desk space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale, like reference characteristics denote like components, and

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of partitions, including partitions embodying the invention, arranged to form a cubicle;

FIG. 1A is a highly simplified isometric drawings of an office partition embodying the invention;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of parts used to form a partition embodying the invention;

FIGS. 1C and 1D are highly simplified isometric drawings of office partitions embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric diagram of a reinforcing channel mounted within and on the base panel of the inner partition space for enabling objects to be inserted or withdrawn from the space;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional diagram of a flatbed mounted on wheels (also referred to herein as a “trolley” or “carriage”) positioned within the partition space for enabling components to be rolled into or out of the inner space between the partition walls;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional diagram of a trolley with a lock/release mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a panel with a cut-out for an access door to a mail box;

FIG. 5A is a cross sectional drawing of FIG. 5 showing the formation of a mail slot and mail box in a partition in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a top view of FIG. 5 showing a mail slot formed in a partition in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an inner side panel with a cut out for accessing storage space between the inner and outer side panels;

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of the partition of FIG. 6 for storing an object such as a monitor;

FIG. 7 is a highly simplified cross sectional diagram of a storage box with extending within the cubicle area; and

FIG. 8 is a simplified isometric drawing of a partition in which one of the inner and outer side panels is used as a door to provide access to the space between the inner and outer side panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a number of partition sections 100 and a number of partition sections 10 interconnected to form a cubicle, in accordance with the invention. Partition sections denoted by the reference character 100 may be any prior art partition. Partition sections 10 are partitions embodying the invention having characteristics discussed below. Generally, partition sections 10 may be used to form any section of the cubicle; but they are preferably used to form partition sections having an open end and designated to provide certain storage functions. As detailed in FIGS. 1A-1D, partition sections 10, embodying the invention, differ from prior art partition sections 100 in that they are specifically designed to provide storage space for any object which can fit in the storage space.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B there is shown a partition 10, having a panel 13, arbitrarily defined as an inner side panel, a panel 15, arbitrarily defined as an outer side pane, a top panel (slat) 17, a bottom panel (slat) 19, a rear end panel (slat) 21 (on the left in FIG. 1A) and a front end (on the right in FIG. 1A) which includes a hinged panel 23 which can be opened or closed to provide access to the storage space. The inner and outer side panels 13 and 15 have corresponding top (horizontal) edges (13 a, 15 a), bottom (horizontal) edges (13 b, 15 b), left (vertical) edges (13 c, 15 c) and right (vertical) edges (13 d, 15 d). The rear panel (slat or strip) 21 has a top edge 21 a and a bottom edge 21 b. The panel/slat 21 defines the rear (or back) end of the space between panels 13 and 15. Due to the symmetry of the partitions what is defined as the inner and outer or front and rear may be interchanged.

The inner and outer side panels (13, 15), the rear end panel (21) and the top and bottom panels (17, 19) may be fixedly and firmly interconnected by any suitable means. FIG. 1B shows vertical frame members 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d which may be attached via any suitable interconnecting means to panels 13,15, 21,17 and 19 to interconnect them rigidly and firmly together, while ensuring that panels 13 and 15 remain spaced apart.

On the right hand side (in FIGS. 1A-1D) a cross bar 27 a is shown connected between the top edges of panels 13 and 15 and a cross bar 27 b is connected between the bottom edges of panels 13 and 15. Panels 13 and 15 are of similar height (H) and width (W) and their inner walls are spaced apart from each other by a distance (thickness) “D”. The separation (space) between the inner walls of panels 13 and 15 is maintained by the connections of horizontal top panel (slat) 17, horizontal bottom panel (slat) 19 and vertical left side panel (slat) 21 between panels 13 and 15 which function as the walls of the partition. Panels 13 and 15 and their associated, interconnecting, panels 17, 19 and 21 define an enclosed inner space or pocket in which properly sized objects can be stored.

A partition 10 embodying the invention differs from known partitions in that it includes an opening and apparatus which enable the inner space between panels 13 and 15 to be accessed and used for storage. FIGS. 1A through 1D show the inner space to be accessed by a door 23 mounted via hinges 25 to the back panel 15 (or vertical frame member 14 d). The hinges 25 enable the door 23 to be selectively opened and closed to allow access to the inner space between the inner and outer side panels. Door 23 and hinges 25 may be replaced by any other suitable structure or mechanism which allows access to the space. The significant feature is that an opening is provided to permit access to the inner space between the panels and that any suitable object which fits in the inner space can be stored within the available space.

In FIGS. 1A, 1C and 1D, apparatus 33 a and 33 b is shown connected to the rear end side of the partition 10 to enable the partition section 10 to be connected or attached to any other partition 10 or partition 100.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show that partitions embodying the invention may include a base region 29 mounted above base panel 19 to reinforce the base region. Reinforcement may be needed to provide support for any object that may be stored in the inner space between the panels 13 and 15. FIG. 1D shows the partition with the door 23 opened. Note that a latch 31, which may be any suitable latching mechanism, is provided to selectively open or close the door. Alternatively, the door may be provided with a magnetic strip for keeping the door 23 closed.

The partitions 10 embodying the invention may be formed so as to be part of any standard office partition system and to be attached or attachable (at least at the one end which is not used as a door) to any other partition of the system. The height, H, of the partition and its width, W, may conform to any standard system (e.g., Hon Company Simplicity Panel System). Thus, H may range from less than 3 feet to more than 6 feet and W may range from less than one (1) foot to more than six (6) feet. The depth (thickness), D, between the inside walls (13,15) of the partition 10 may range from less than 1 inch to about six (6) inches.

The thickness of any object to be stored between the partition walls must be somewhat less than the space between the partition walls. As noted above the space between the walls may range from about one inch to about 6 inches. These dimensions limit the thickness of the object that can be stored. This is not a significant limitation since there are many commercially available objects (e.g., folded chairs and tables, monitors easels etc.) which can readily fit within the allotted space between partition walls 13 and 15.

Partitions embodying the invention may be modified, as shown in FIG. 2, by the addition of a channel (trough) 50 placed along the bottom 29 of the partition 10 between panels 13 and 15 with the channel 50 having reinforcing side panels 51, 52 which would face the inside of walls 13, 15, respectively, and a rear back stop 53 which could rest against a rear side panel (e.g., 21). Objects, such as a chair or table, in their folded condition, or any other suitable item, may be placed within the trough 50 via opening 54, which would face the door opening 23. Note that a ramp 56 may be formed at the bottom edge of the trough opening 54 to enable equipment to be more easily inserted or removed from the channel 50. The ramp may be retracted when the door is closed to secure the equipment within the channel. The height of the walls of channel 50 may range from a few inches to more than 20-30% of the height of the panels 13, 15.

FIG. 3 is a highly simplified cross sectional diagram of a flat bed 60 mounted on wheels 62 resting on the bottom panel 19 of the partition 10. The wheeled flat bed is also referred to herein as a “trolley” or “carriage”. An object 64, which may be a table or chair, or any object which can fit in the space between the walls, can be mounted on the flat bed and then rolled into or out of the inner space between the walls of the partition. An arm 66 is shown coupled at one end to a hinge 68 attached to the flat bed and at its other end to a handle 70 for selectively pulling or pushing the flat bed into or out of the inner space between the front and back panels. That is, when the door 23 (not shown in this figure) is open the inner space between the panels is accessible. Note an optional spring 33 can be connected between the rear side of flat bed 60 and the rear wall 21 to urge the flat bed out or pull it in when the door is opened and/or access is desired.

FIG. 4 shows a locking or release mechanism to keep the trolley 60 securely inside the inner partition space when not needed. When any object 64 (e.g., chair or table) mounted on the trolley is needed a pedal 41 may be depressed which compresses a spring 43 and causes a stop 45 to swing down around the pivot 47 whereby the stop 45 moves down below the trolley 60. This allows trolley 60 to be rolled out from the inner storage space of the partition.

In FIGS. 1-4 access to the space between the inner and outer side panels (13, 15) is via a front end panel located between them. But, it should be understood that access to the inner storage space between panels 13 and 15 can also be arranged from the front of panel 13 or the back of panel 15 as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a simplified front view, FIG. 5A is a simplified cross sectional diagram and FIG. 5B is a top view showing a storage box 80, which may, for example, be a mail box, formed between panels 13 and 15. A slot 82 is formed in the top panel 17 of the partition 10 in which mail for the occupant of the cubicle can be placed. There is a box bottom 84 in the partition to catch the mail. Two side walls (not shown) define the two side walls of the box 80 and complete the mail box so it can hold the mail. A door 86 preferably located on the inside panel (e.g., 13) of the cubicle can be opened or closed via a hinge 88 to enable the occupant to retrieve the mail. Supports 87 are provided to support the underside of box 80

FIG. 6 is a simplified front view and FIG. 6A is a simplified cross sectional diagram showing a storage space 180 specially formed between panels 13 and 15 for storing an object such as a monitor 181. There is a box bottom 184 in the partition to hold the monitor. The box bottom can be provided with additional supports 185 resting on the partition bottom. A door 186 located along panel 13 on the inside of the cubicle can be opened or closed via hinge 188 to enable the occupant to retrieve or view the monitor.

FIG. 7 is a simplified cross sectional diagram of a box 80 a, which may be used as a mail box or for any other suitable purpose. The box includes a shelf 713 which extends beyond the front panel 13 within the cubicle space. The box can be accessed by a rear door 711 cut out from the outside panel 15 or by a front door 86 a. The box can also be accessed via a slit 82 a.

FIG. 8 is a simplified isometric diagram illustrating that a partition 10 a embodying the invention may be formed such that one of the inner or outer side panels (13, 15) may be used as an access door. In FIG. 8 front panel 13 a may be connected via hinges 25 a to a side panel 21. In this embodiment, the top and bottom horizontal panels (17 and 19) and vertical side panels 21 and 23 are fixedly interconnected with panel 15 to form an enclosure and front panel 13 a, functions as a door which may be selectively opened or closed to access the inner storage space.

It has thus been shown that, in accordance with the invention, partitions for making the walls of office cubicles include two major panels (walls) which are spaced apart to generate an inner space which is used to store objects. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An office partition wall section comprising: first and second panels of similar height and width; each panel having a lower horizontal edge, an upper horizontal edge, a first vertical edge on one side, defined as a rear vertical edge, and a second vertical edge on the opposite side, defined as a front vertical edge; apparatus interconnecting all the edges of the first and second panels for forming an enclosed inner space having a thickness “D”; where “D” is in the range of less than one (1) inch to about six (6) inches; and wherein the apparatus also includes means for selectively accessing the enclosed inner space for selectively storing selected objects within the enclosed inner space.
 2. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus interconnecting all the edges of the first and second panels includes apparatus fixedly interconnecting a top horizontal panel between the upper edges of the first and second panels, a bottom horizontal panel fixedly between the lower edges of the first and second panels, and a rear vertical panel between the rear vertical edges of the first and second panels, in order to form said enclosed inner space having a thickness “D” between the first and second panels; and apparatus connected to the front vertical edges of the first and second panels for selectively enabling the inner space between them to be accessed for storage of selected objects.
 3. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front edges of said first and second panels define an opening for accessing the inner space; and wherein said apparatus enabling the inner space to be accessed includes an access door for selectively closing the opening and selectively providing access to the opening whereby objects can be inserted within the inner space or removed therefrom; and wherein the rear panel and the rear vertical edges including apparatus for selectively connecting the partition wall section to another office partition section.
 4. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bottom panel is reinforced to support any object placed in the space between the first and second panels.
 5. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 4, wherein said bottom panel includes ramping means for more easily inserting or removing objects placed in the space between the panels.
 6. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 2, wherein a wheeled flatbed device is placed along the bottom slat to enable objects to be placed on the flat bed and to be rolled into or out of the space between the panels.
 7. An office partition wall as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side panel and wherein said inner side panel includes an opening for selectively accessing the inner space between the first and second panels.
 8. An office partition wall section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side panel, and wherein a storage box for is formed in the space between the inner and outer side panels, and wherein the apparatus which includes means for selectively accessing the enclosed inner space includes an access door for selectively providing access to the storage box.
 9. A partition wall section as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side, and wherein a box for receiving an object or mail is formed so as to extend from the back panel along the inner space and beyond the inner side panel so the length of the box exceeds the thickness of the space between the inner and outer side panels.
 10. A partition wall section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side panel, and wherein a storage box is formed between the inner and outer side panels, and wherein said apparatus enabling the inner space to be used for storage includes an access door on at least one of the inner and outer side panels for selectively providing access to the storage box.
 11. A partition wall section as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side panel, and wherein a box for receiving designated objects is formed between the inner and outer side panels, and wherein said apparatus enabling the inner space to be used for storage includes an access door on at least one of the inner and outer side panels for selectively providing access to the box; and wherein said box is also accessed via a slit formed in the top panel in the region overlying the box in order to deposit suitable objects in the box.
 12. A partition wall section as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel is defined as an inner side panel and the second panel is defined as an outer side panel, and wherein a storage space for storing specific objects is formed between the inner and outer side panels, and wherein said apparatus enabling the inner space to be used for storage includes an access door for selectively providing access to the storage space.
 13. A partition wall in particular for offices comprising: first and second panels of similar height and width spaced apart by a distance “D”; each panel having a lower edge, an upper edge, a left hand edge and a right hand edge; wherein “D” can vary from less than one (1) inch to about six (6) inches; a top horizontal slat fixedly connected between the upper edges of the first and second panels; a rear vertical slat fixedly connecting the left hand edges of the first and second panels; a bottom horizontal slat fixedly connecting the lower edges of the first and second panels; the width of the top slat, the bottom slat and the rear slat selected to maintain the thickness “D” of the space between the first and second panels constant; and a front slat adapted to be connected between the right hand edges of the first and second panels such that it can either be closed or opened to provide access to the space between the first and second panels and enable objects to be placed in the space between the first and second panels.
 14. A partition as claimed in claim 13, wherein said bottom slat is reinforced to support any object placed in the space between the panels.
 15. A partition as claimed in claim 13, wherein a wheeled flatbed device is placed on the bottom slat to enable objects to be place on the flat bed and rolled into and out of the space between the panels.
 16. A partition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the front slat functions as a door to selectively access the space between the panels.
 17. A partition as claimed in claim 13, wherein additional supports are added to support the weight of any object stored in the space.
 18. A partition as claimed in claim 13, further including a mechanism for securing an objected being stored within the inner space.
 19. A partition wall in particular for offices comprising: first and second panels of similar height and width spaces apart by a distance “D”; each panel having a lower edge, an upper edge, a left hand edge and a right hand edge; wherein “D” is in the range of less than one (1) inch to about six (6) inches; a top horizontal slat fixedly connected between the upper edges of the first and second panels; a rear vertical slat fixedly connecting the left hand edges of the first and second panels; a bottom horizontal slat fixedly connecting the lower edges of the first and second panels; the width of the top slat, the bottom slat and the rear slat selected to maintain the thickness “D” of the space between the first and second panels constant; the space between the first and second panels defining an inner space; a cutout in one of said first and second panels to selectively provide access to the space between the first and second panels; and a support structure formed within the space to enable objects to be placed and stored in the space between the first and second panels.
 20. A partition as claimed in claim 19, further including apparatus for enabling an object to be stored and secured in the inner space and to be subsequently easily removed from the inner space. 